Arunachal kiwi makes international debut, reaches Dubai supermarket shelves

The consignment successfully reached Dubai and was showcased at LuLu Hypermarket in Al Qusais, marking an important step towards assessing the fruit's potential in international markets.

Undertaken under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (MDoNER), the initiative aims to promote and strengthen Arunachal Pradesh's kiwi sector under the branding initiative, “Kiwi: USP of Arunachal Pradesh”.

Implemented in collaboration with the Department of Trade & Commerce and the Department of Horticulture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the initiative seeks to introduce the state's kiwi produce to international markets, assess consumer response and establish stronger market linkages to expand export opportunities for local growers.

Arunachal Pradesh's high-altitude growing conditions and favourable natural environment support the cultivation of kiwis with distinctive quality and flavour. The state's produce has significant potential in premium domestic and international markets, as well as in the value-added products segment.

The major kiwi varieties cultivated in the region include Hayward, Monty, Allison and Bruno. Among these, Hayward has demonstrated good demand in international markets.

With the consignment reaching the retail shelves of LuLu Hypermarket in Al Qusais, the initiative has moved beyond the initial flag-off stage to a retail-level market assessment. Consumer tastings and feedback will help evaluate the fruit's acceptability and potential demand in the UAE market.

The assessment is also expected to provide valuable insights into consumer preferences, quality standards, packaging and presentation requirements. These findings could help growers, cooperatives and exporters prepare for future commercial shipments and identify suitable overseas market opportunities.

The initiative also aims to connect local kiwi growers with potential international buyers, creating additional sales channels and opportunities to improve farmer returns through future exports.

The trial shipment is expected to provide a foundation for evaluating market response and identifying the requirements for expanding Arunachal Pradesh's presence in international kiwi markets.

Representatives of the Kiwi Growers Cooperative Society and Fair Exports India Pvt. Ltd. participated in the event, along with APEDA officials, representatives of the Departments of Trade & Commerce, Horticulture and Agriculture, kiwi farmers accompanying the consignment and other programme representatives.

Through this initiative, APEDA continues to support the promotion of agricultural and horticultural produce from the Northeast and facilitate its entry into international markets. The successful arrival and retail placement of Arunachal Pradesh's kiwis in Dubai mark a significant step towards assessing overseas demand and preparing local growers for greater participation in international trade.